http://www.leedsunited.com/page/NewsroomDetail/0,,10273~1074969,00.html
UNION BERLIN 2 (Gebhardt 40, Patschinski 84) UNITED 0 Union Berlin: Glinker, Spasskov, Gebhardt, Stuff, Younga-Mouhani, Martins, Spork, Mattuschka, Schulz, Patschinzi, Bemben. Subs: Niendorf, Ruprecht, Streit, Scharlau, Bonig, Menz, Zschiesche, Vuckovic, Antunovic. United: Loach (Hamman 46), Richardson, Marques, Heath, Parker, Douglas, Prutton, Thompson (Weston 59), Lewis (Carole 59), Kandol (Constantine 59), Beckford (Elliott 71). Subs: Delph. Interest in United's tour to Germany was high, but demand for the opening game was such that kick-off was delayed due to the excessive numbers cramming into the sun-baked stadium. The packed crowd created an atmosphere far removed from that of a traditional friendly and it was no surprise that the game started at great pace. The hosts showed plenty of enthusiasm and the visitors won the first corner of the game on eight minutes when a low cross was hacked to safety after drifting across the face of goal. Goalkeeper Scott Loach also tipped the ball around the post, and made a good low block as Berlin pressed early on. But United came back strongly, and Jermaine Beckford showed good feet to force an opening before curling a shot around the post. David Prutton also showed good intelligence to feed Tresor Kandol, but Berlin defender Christian Stuff reacted well to avert the danger. It was a good opening from both sides with United settlng down well and making their own mark on the contest, creating some useful openings from midfield. Alan Thompson came close on the half-hour when he forced Jan Glinker into making a good parry, and Eddie Lewis, who was finding some good space on the left, couldn't quite finish the rebound. At the other end, Loach made a terrific save to deny Tom Martins with a great opportunity after Berlin carved open the United defence. Moments later, Loach made another good save after Nico Patschinski got in an angled shot from the left. But Loach was beaten five minutes before the break when Marco Gebhart lifted the ball over the keper from the Berlin left. United started the second half brightly, though, and Kandol and Beckford linked up well before the latter sent an overhead kick fizzing over the top. Berlin's approach play had caused United problems during the opening period, but Wise's men looked more assured after the break. They retained a strong work-ethic and after a triple substitution on the hour, Leon Constantine, brought on to partner Beckford, almost made his mark when he had a shot well blocked by a Berlin defender. The competitive nature threatened to boil over with 15 minutes remaining when Tom Elliott picked up his first senior booking following a clash with Alexej Spasskov, following an aggressive challenge by the Berlin defender. United pressed for a leveller without creating any clear-cut chances, but Berlin rallied in the closing stages, and the hosts made it 2-0 in the 84th minute when Nico Patchinski rounded off a good move by sweeping the ball beyond the reach of Nick Hamman in the United goal. That looked like it, but Seb Carole almost pulled a goal back in the final minute with a superb strike from distance. _______________________________________________ the Leeds List is an unmoderated mailing list and the list administrators accept no liability for the personal views and opinions of contributors. Leedslist mailing list [email protected] http://list.zetnet.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist Join The Leeds United Supporters Trust at www.lufctrust.org
